Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor décor with rich, bold colors, and few plants embody the essence of fall quite like chrysanthemums—commonly known as mums. These versatile, hardy plants come in an array of colors, from deep reds and warm oranges to bright yellows and purples, making them ideal for creating stunning displays. Decorating your urns with fall mums is an easy and rewarding way to enhance your porch, patio, or garden. Here's how to do it in just seven simple steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Urns
Before you get started with planting, it's essential to choose the right urns for your display. The size and shape of your urn will dictate how many mums you’ll need and how the arrangement will look. Larger urns work best for bigger displays, while smaller urns are perfect for compact arrangements. Look for urns that match the aesthetic of your home—classical, rustic, or modern. Urns made of materials like concrete, cast iron, or ceramic are ideal as they are sturdy and weather-resistant.
Ensure that the urns have proper drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot in your mums. If the urn doesn't have drainage holes, you can add a layer of gravel or stones to the base to aid water drainage.
Step 2: Pick Your Mums
Mums are available in many colors, sizes, and forms, allowing for endless creative possibilities. When choosing mums for your urns, consider the color scheme and the size of the flowers. Traditional fall colors like burnt orange, golden yellow, crimson red, and burgundy are always popular, but don't be afraid to incorporate shades of purple or white for a unique twist.
For a balanced look, you can mix different sizes of mums. Large-flowered mums make a bold statement, while smaller button mums add texture and depth to the arrangement. Pay attention to the height and shape of the plants as well; using taller mums at the center of the arrangement and smaller, bushier varieties around the edges can create a beautiful cascading effect.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Proper soil preparation is key to keeping your mums healthy and vibrant throughout the fall season. Start by adding fresh potting soil to your urns. Potting soil is light and airy, which provides the perfect environment for root growth. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too dense and may not allow for proper drainage.
To enhance the soil's nutrient content, mix in a slow-release fertilizer. Mums are heavy feeders, especially when in bloom, and the additional nutrients will support sustained flowering. If you plan to keep the mums in your urns for an extended period, refreshing the soil with compost or organic matter can also boost the overall health of the plants.
Step 4: Create a Design Plan
Before planting, take some time to map out your design. A well-planned arrangement will help you achieve a balanced and visually pleasing look. Think about how you want your mums to be displayed in the urn—whether you prefer symmetry or a more relaxed, organic feel.
One popular design is to plant a single, large mum in the center of the urn and surround it with smaller plants, such as ornamental kale or trailing ivy, to add texture and contrast. Another approach is to use mums of different colors, planting them in a gradient from light to dark, or in complementary color blocks.
When designing, keep in mind the placement of your urns. If they will be viewed from all sides, arrange your mums so that they look beautiful from every angle. For urns placed against a wall, you can focus on a front-facing display with taller plants at the back and shorter ones in the front.
Step 5: Plant Your Mums
Now comes the fun part—planting! Start by removing your mums from their nursery pots and gently teasing apart the roots, which may be compacted from growing in a confined space. If the roots are tightly wound, gently break them apart with your fingers to encourage better growth.
Plant the mums at the same depth they were in their original pots. Place the taller plants in the center and the shorter ones around the edges, or follow the design plan you created in the previous step. As you plant, gently pack the soil around the base of the mums to ensure they are secure.
If you’re mixing mums with other plants, such as ornamental grasses, cabbages, or pansies, be sure to leave enough space for each plant to grow and fill out. Grouping plants too closely together can restrict airflow, leading to potential disease.
Step 6: Water and Mulch
After planting, give your urns a thorough watering to help the soil settle and provide your mums with the moisture they need to thrive. Mums prefer consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
To retain moisture and protect the roots as temperatures drop, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the mums. Mulch also helps prevent weeds from growing in your urns and adds a finished look to your display. Use materials like shredded bark, pine needles, or decorative stones for mulching. Not only will this benefit the health of your mums, but it will also add a professional touch to your arrangement.
Step 7: Maintain Your Display
To keep your urns looking their best throughout the fall season, regular maintenance is essential. Deadhead spent blooms by pinching or cutting them off at the base. This not only keeps the plants looking tidy but also encourages further blooming.
As the season progresses and temperatures begin to dip, your mums will continue to flourish as long as they’re protected from frost. If frost is in the forecast, consider covering your urns overnight with a light blanket or moving them to a sheltered area.
Finally, keep an eye on the overall appearance of your arrangement. Replace any plants that start to fade, and adjust the placement of your urns to ensure they continue to complement your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Decorating your urns with vibrant fall mums is an easy and effective way to celebrate the beauty of autumn. By following these seven steps, you can create stunning displays that enhance the curb appeal of your home and bring seasonal charm to your outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer classic colors or a more eclectic mix, mums offer endless possibilities for creative expression in your garden décor.